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Italian Riviera Cruise Vacation
Just east of the French Riviera, one finds themselves in
Italy and the Italian Riviera. Generally speaking, this is the Italian
Region of Liguria. Here, the charm of old Italy mingles with the glitz and
glamour of new seaside resort paradises. The small coastal villages and
resort towns on the rocky shores of the Ligurian Sea are contrasted by the
new, overbuilt grand resorts.
Cosmopolitan cities and bustling industrialized ports intermingle with these
old and new resort towns and villages to provide a true muddle of culture.
Many of the large and luxury cruise lines offer itineraries that include the
Italian Riviera.
Near Liguria's eastern border with Tuscany lies Lerici. With its
awe-inspiring coastline of pine forests and gray cliffs, it is no wonder
that Shelley spent some of his happiest months living near here. Subsequent
to his death in 1822, the bay was renamed in honor of Byron and Shelley as
Golfo dei Poeti.
Traveling west we come to La Spezia. This large industrialized naval port
lacks the quiet charm of the smaller towns, but still maintains an aura of
beauty.
Potovenere provides cruise travelers with a glimpse of the past. Some of the
small houses date back to the 12th century. These were once connected to the
citadel so that the villagers could reach safety in times of attack. This
town commanded a strategic position at the end of a peninsula.
Westward still we find Rafallo which was once one of Europe's most
fashionable resorts. Many writers, poets and authors were drawn to this area
of the Italian Riviera including Ezra Pound and D.H. Lawrence. Even Hannibal
is said to have passed through the region after crossing the Alps. Today,
Rafallo is a haven for luxury yachts in its harbor.
Favored by many well-to-do Italians is the lovely old resort town of Santa
Margherita Ligure. Some of the buildings here are still adorned with the
trompe l'oeil frescoes that were typical in this area. The marina is packed
with yachts as this town is used as a starting point for day trips and
excursions.
Next we would visit Potofino, one of the most photographed villages along
this Riviera coast. Although there is not much to actually do in Portofino,
many of Europe's wealthy lay anchor here. The village is very pricey (a beer
may cost EUR8!) so you may wish to stay in one of the surrounding towns
instead of a stay right in the village.
Almost at the centre of the Ligure coastline lies the cosmopolitan city of
Genoa, once home to Christopher Columbus. Although the city is a bustling
contrast to some of the much quieter villages along the Riviera, it does
have many points of interest for cruise excursionists. One attraction that
is a must-see for adventurers is the Aquarium of Genoa - the largest
aquarium in Europe. One can climb the 375 steps to the top of the Lanterna
which has been the lighthouse on the rocks of Genoa's harbor since 1543. The
White Palace (Galleria di Palazzo Bianco) is a magnificent 16th century
building with an impressive art collection with-in. Shopping is of course a
mainstay for many cruise vacationers and Genoa certainly provides ample
venues for the 'sport'. (Speaking of sports, Torino, the site of the 2006
Winter Olympics is situated just north and west of Genoa.)
Just north of Genoa is Milan. Although not actually on the Riviera, many
cruise vacationers will feel compelled to visit the city. Considered to be
the center of the high-fashion scene, Milan has lots to offer. There are
even bargains available for the budget minded at the stores providing
over-stock designer items, seconds and imitations. The Duomo is a
magnificent Gothic cathedral that took five centuries of work. One hundred
and thirty-five marble spires and over two thousand statues adorn the
building. Witness works of the masters Raphael, Mantegna and others at the
Pinacoteca di Brera. Visit Michelangelo's last sculpture, the Rondanini
Pieta'.
Three small villages, Finalmarina, Finalpia and Finalborgo make up the
larger center of Finale Ligure. Final marina and Finalpia offer fine sandy
beaches and modern resort facilities. Finalborgo offers cruise visitors a
haunting look at a well preserved medieval settlement with 15th century
walls. The rugged surrounding countryside plays host to rare reptiles and
exotic flora.
The area's largest resort (and self styled capital of the Western Riviera)
is San Remo. World-class hotels, seaside promenades and exotic gardens are
just some of the reasons that the area maintains its glamour from the past.
This glamour has attracted royal visitors and the wealthy and famous to
experience the romantic setting and famous casino.
Near the western end of this Riviera lies Bordighera, the first town in
Europe to grow date palms. This community still has exclusive rights to
provide palm fronds to the Vatican for the Easter celebrations. In the past,
Bordighera has been famous as a winter resort for a large English 'colony'.
Today it still has strong evidence of this with afternoon teas and streets
named after Queen Victoria and Shakespeare. This quiet resort area does not
shut down completely in the off season as do some Riviera resorts because of
the more elderly using it as a winter retreat.
The currency of the Italian Riviera is the Euro. Most
Cruise ships will exchange currency for you before you leave the ship.
Many large and small contemporary cruise lines and luxury cruise lines offer
itineraries that include the Riviera ports-of-call. Some also offer
cruise-tour excursions for pre- or post-cruise extensions. Check out the
possibilities for your next Riviera cruise!
For information on the 'other' Rivieras, see our article
Riviera Cruise Vacations - Which one is for you?
Browse through some of the other informative cruise pages. Check out
the great deals from the merchants on our
Discount Cruises page.
Then book your cruise on-line and get excited!.
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